Top Free Dispersed Camping near Paradise, MI

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Paradise? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Paradise's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Paradise, MI (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
    • No image available

      2. Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      24 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
      Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

      3. USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

      2 Reviews
      6 Photos
      52 Saves

      Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The following restrictions apply:

      Your stay is limited to 16 days. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles (See https://lnt.org/why/7-principles) so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. Camping in areas posted closed is prohibited. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). Do not camp at boat launches. On lakes with designated or reservable campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake. Note that camping reservations are required for these lakes: Bass Lake, Bear Lake, Camp Cook, Carr Lake, Chicago Lake, Cookson Lake, Council Lake, Crooked Lake, East Lake, Ewing Point, Gooseneck Lake, lronjaw Lake, Jackpine Lake, Lake Nineteen, Leg Lake, Lyman Lake, McKeever Cabin, Minerva Lake, Mowe Lake, Steuben Lake, Swan Lake, Toms Lake Cabin, and Triangle Lake.

      Group size can impact the land. Travel and camp in small groups. Place tents in cleared tent spaces if one is available. If not, find an opening at least 200 feet from water and trails, where understory vegetation or timber will not need to be cut or removed. Please stay at least ¼ mile away from developed campgrounds.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • No image available

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Paradise

      8 Reviews of 4 Paradise Campgrounds


      • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Sep. 26, 2024

        Lake Superior North Shore

        The best little spot you could imagine

        Absolutely gorgeous! Right on the lake, wouldn’t suggest driving all the way back just park and take all your stuff to your spot. There is a “no drive thru” sign ignore it and drive back the pathway you’ll find it 😍 two other campers there and they were lovely (they also found this place off the dyrt app). You truly can’t beat this place, we even seen the Northern lights

      • Tori R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
        Aug. 2, 2024

        Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

        Parking pull off

        We spent about an hour exploring the surrounding roads for a better spot but it's all residential with some narrow and overgrown logging roads. Ended up coming back down to this spot which is just a little parking round-about. It's not private but no one drove by until morning and it's flat and spacious for bigger rigs.

      • Tony C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wide Waters Dispersed Camping
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Wide Waters Dispersed Camping

        Bondocking near Root bear falls

        Easy in and out. open area and trees on perimeter. Looks like its an ATV staging area. No starlink, no Cell service. Bring your bug spray!

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
        Oct. 7, 2023

        USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

        OK for a night

        We were a little confused here, as we thought the camping spots were the concrete pads leading up to the old airfield. But there are big rocks blocking the way from Rd 3536 to the airfield, so I don’t know if that’s a recent addition or what. There’s a large concrete pad on the west side of the rocks, and when we got there there was a nice looking (not sketchy) travel trailer set up for long term camping. Lots of trucks parked everywhere with trailers; they had hauled their ATVs in and were out riding for the day. They came back on their ATVs in the late afternoon, hung out for a few hours, then left (except for the trailer). All surprisingly quiet and respectful. 

        Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back. We found a good spot to tuck into for the night, while staying out of the way of all the trucks parked everywhere. Very quiet and serene.

        This is dispersed camping so of course no amenities whatsoever. Please handle your waste appropriately and let's keep this area clean.

      • Clete B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Sep. 20, 2023

        Lake Superior North Shore

        Great secluded camping on Lake Superior

        Great camping area. There is a sign that says “Closed To Thru Traffic”. Just keep driving. You will get there. Road is sandy and some parts pretty rutted so keep the vehicle moving. You are a 1 min walk to the beach area.

        Some campers are pigs and leave their trash around so we had to tidy our site up a little.

        Really is a beautiful place. We are here on the 20th of September 2023.

        I think close to the camp we ran across some bear scat.

      • Meredith S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Superior North Shore
        Aug. 22, 2023

        Lake Superior North Shore

        Great Spot!

        We love this spot! It’s super secluded and right on the beach. We’ve had one other tent camper out with us. We are in a small travel trailer, 22’, and there was room for our rig. There are a few spots with packed sand that are easy to drive in, but the middle path is pretty deep loose sand. When we came, there were other cars parked in the spots big enough for a camper, so we had to wait until they left. With cars parked in the bigger spaces, it was difficult to get out of the way or get turned around so we were just kind of stuck waiting. Also the mosquitos were also thick when we went. Overall we loved the spot, just wrote a review to give a few heads up!

      • Victoria K.
        Camper-submitted photo from USFS 3536 Dispersed Site
        Aug. 22, 2022

        USFS 3536 Dispersed Site

        ORV trails

        These are sandy trails that lead nowhere in particular and I guess you camp on the side in the trees..you can't get down there with a regular vehicle without the possibilty of getting stuck in sand traps. I would say you should have 4 wheel drive and a tent.



      Guide to Paradise

      Camping near Paradise, Michigan, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and serene lakes, it's a great spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

      What to do:

      • Explore Waterfalls: Visit the breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the famous waterfalls. One camper shared, “Words cannot really explain the beauty all around,” highlighting the park's stunning views and trails.
      • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak at the park and paddle around the lower falls. A visitor mentioned, “We spent two days there, one kayaking around the lower falls and river,” making it clear that this is a must-do for water lovers.
      • Hiking Trails: There are convenient trails connecting the lower and upper falls. As one reviewer noted, “Convenient trails connect Lower and upper falls, 4 miles,” making it easy to enjoy the scenery on foot.

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lower Falls Campground stated, “Clean bathrooms and showers, quiet, and close to some nice hiking and scenery.”
      • Spacious Campsites: Many sites are large and provide a sense of privacy. One camper noted, “The sites on the outside ring of the campground are better than the inside as there are more trees and seem a little more private.”
      • Wildlife: Campers enjoy the local wildlife, especially the chipmunks. A visitor mentioned, “Lots of chipmunks, some that are not very shy,” adding a fun element to the camping experience.

      What you should know:

      • Crowded on Weekends: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Lower Falls Campground advised, “If I were to camp there in the future, I would be sure to make my reservations much further in advance.”
      • State Park Pass Required: Even with camping reservations, a state park pass is necessary. One camper pointed out, “You will need to pay for state park pass even with camping reservations.”
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, are rustic and lack modern amenities. A visitor mentioned, “Vault toilets were clean,” but be prepared for a more basic experience.

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campsites that offer more space for kids to play. A family camper at Brimley State Park Campground said, “The kids loved the beach and swimming in the clean Lake Superior water.”
      • Plan for Activities: Bring along kayaks or paddleboards for fun on the water. One reviewer noted, “We brought our paddle board and kayaks and had a great time.”
      • Pack Snacks: Having snacks handy can keep the kids happy during hikes. A camper mentioned, “We enjoyed delicious bison burgers and beer,” at a nearby restaurant, which is a good option for a family meal.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV comfortably. A reviewer at Bay Mills Casino RV Campground said, “The only good thing about the site for us was that it was along the dog run,” indicating that some sites can be tight.
      • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, so expect some noise. A camper noted, “The campground is right off the highway, so be prepared for road noise.”
      • Use Local Amenities: Take advantage of nearby facilities like gas stations and restaurants. A visitor shared, “Close to food and fuel,” which can be a lifesaver during your stay.

      Camping around Paradise, MI, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to explore. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of Michigan.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paradise, MI?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paradise, MI is Lake Superior North Shore with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paradise, MI?

        TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Paradise, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.